The medieval town Kyshkala (Kyshtobe) – Barshynkent (Barshynly): archaeological research, localization and dating

Abstract

A significant number of cult objects of the Golden Horde era are concentrated on the territory of Kazakhstan: mausoleums, madrassas, underground graves, memorial structures such as cities, towns, fortresses and caravanserais. Currently, archaeological research of these monuments and their integration into scientific discourse is one of the most important works. Concurrently, one of the most pressing issues is the formation of cities and settlements of the Jochi Ulus and the assessment of its development process. Identifying specific features in the history of individual cities and determining their relationship with other cities requires comprehensive scientific inquiry. The vast majority of the cities of the Golden Horde era are concentrated along the old riverbeds of the Syrdarya River, along the rivers Inkardarya, Zhanadarya, Kuandarya and near the Aral Sea. This region held immense social, political, and cultural significance for people throughout various historical epochs. When exploring the region's history, the Golden Horde-era monuments take precedence. In the era of the Golden Horde, one of the largest cultural and spiritual centers was the medieval city of Kyshkala (Kyshtobe) – Barshynkent (Barshynlyk). After many years of research in Kyshkala, two mausoleums were discovered, the remains of an octagonal structure (Zaviya) primarily constructed using fired bricks, along with the locations where these bricks were produced (kilns), simple burials, residential complexes, and sites dedicated to rituals and commemorative purposes.